Teaching Issue

Volume 15, Number 1 / February 2015

Letter from the Editors

Recharging with Soul Retrieval in the New Year

Dear Friends,

We love to share with you all! We'll start with a beautiful line from Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche's upcoming book, The True Source of Healing: How the Ancient Tibetan Practice of Soul Retrieval Can Transform and Enrich Your Life:

"Recall a moment in your life when you felt complete, satisfied, fully alive, at home in yourself. Imagine that it is possible for you to feel that way not only now and then but most of the time. This is what soul retrieval practice offers." More

Soul Retrieval: Bringing Awareness to Life Through the Power of Commitment

What is the soul? The soul, of course, is very complex; there are many different cultures in the West, even in the East, with different understandings of the soul. From the perspective of the Tibetan Bon Buddhist tradition, the soul refers to the subtle balance of energies of the five essential elements: earth, water, fire, air, space. In the ancient Bon tradition, we believe that there is no way to survive as a human being unless the elements of our inner essence are all rich and alive and balanced in a very healthy way.

I want to talk about commitment. My hope is that many of you who are here with me today are serious and committed enough to follow these monthly webcast teachings, and that you will try to understand the practices and commit yourselves to practicing and to bringing about some real changes in your life for the better. More

Upcoming Webcast on Soul Retrieval Is Feb. 14

Register Now—and Sign Up for Free Online Course!

Throughout 2015, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche is offering a free, yearlong Internet course on the topic of Soul Retrieval. The course includes everything from free monthly live webcasts to multi-language discussion forums, recorded webcasts, MP3 audio recordings and downloadable print materials. It is based on Rinpoche's upcoming book The True Source of Healing: How the Ancient Tibetan Practice of Soul Retrieval Can Transform and Enrich Your Life (Hay House, June 2015). MoreRead an excerpt

Tibetan New Year Begins Feb. 19

Ligmincha International Prepares for Losar, Year of the Wood Sheep

Losar, which in Tibetan means "new year," is celebrated widely by Tibetans and Tibetan Bon and Buddhist centers throughout the world. This time to reflect on the passing of the old year and face the possibilities of the new year will be celebrated by Ligmincha International centers worldwide. More

Documentary on Bon Set for Release on Feb. 21

With a Message from Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

Dear Sangha and Other Friends,

I am very excited to let everybody know that The Light of the Golden Sun is finally being released. This one-hour documentary film tells about the rich history of Bon, how it came to the West, and the role that Ligmincha has played in recent years. More

Lishu Institute Retreats Begin this March in India!

Rinpoche Encourages Students in New Opportunities

Beginning in March 2015 at Lishu Institute in Dehradun, India, a two-week Phowa retreat will be taught by Geshe Gelek Gyatso Rinpoche (March 5–19) followed by a six-week Intensive Tibetan Language retreat to be taught by Sangmo Yangri, Ph.D. (March 20–April 30, 2015). The teachers will speak in Tibetan, and an English translation will be provided. More

Ligmincha's Annual Spring Retreat at Serenity Ridge

Registration Now Open

Why not jump-start your healing and transformation with a more concentrated retreat on Soul Retreival during this year's Spring Retreat at Serenity Ridge? On April 3–5, 2015, Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche will teach on "The True Source of Healing: How The Ancient Tibetan Practice Of Soul Retrieval Can Transform And Enrich Your Life." More

Summer Retreat Topic Is Dream Yoga

Registration Opens Feb. 17

Registration opens Feb. 17 for Ligmincha's Annual Summer Retreat at Serenity Ridge, to be held June 21–July 4, 2015. Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche will teach on the topic of "Dream Yoga."

The practice of dream yoga deepens our awareness during all our experience. It is a powerful tool of awakening and can help us recognize the true nature of mind. This is a rare opportunity to spend two weeks in person learning and practicing dream yoga with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche (who will offer two daily teachings) and the support of the sangha in the serene environment of Serenity Ridge.

You are welcome to attend one or both weeks. Serenity Ridge's annual Fundraising Auction will be held near the end of the first week, on June 26.

‘The Three Heart Mantras’ Begins Feb. 6

Still Time to Register for Ligmincha Learning's Online Course!

Ligmincha Learning's five-week online course on "The Three Heart Mantras" will be held Feb. 6–March 14. The Three Heart Mantras are used in many different meditations in the Tibetan Bon Buddhist tradition, and play a major role in the ngrondro (preliminary) practices. They are said to be the essence of enlightenment in sound and energy, and as we sing or chant the mantras our awareness is transformed to be in union with the buddhas. They are used for purification, protection and as primary practices toward self-realization.Learn more and register

The next online Ligmincha Learning course is "The Six Lokas: Transforming Our Emotions." It is a six-week course scheduled for April 4–May 23.Learn more and register

March 7 GlideWing Online Workshop

Tibetan Dream Yoga with Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

The next four-Week GlideWing online workshop will be held March 7–April 5. Participants will explore and practice the ancient Bon Buddhist teachings of Tibetan Dream Yoga, with personal guidance and support from Geshe Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. This workshop provides detailed instruction for dream yoga, including foundational practices done during the day.Learn more and register

Here is the calendar of upcoming GlideWing online workshops:

May 9–31, 2015: Tibetan Meditation: Achieving Great Bliss Through Pure Awareness Learn more

Upcoming Retreats

Serenity Ridge Retreat Center

The retreats listed below will take place at Serenity Ridge Retreat Center, headquarters of Ligmincha International, located in Nelson County, Virginia. To register or for more information, click on the links below, or contact us at
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or 434-263-6304.

April 3–5, 2015Spring Retreat – The True Source of Healing: How the Ancient Tibetan Practice of Soul Retrieval Can Transform and Enrich Your Lifewith Geshe Tenzin Wangyal RinpocheLearn more and register

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Bookstore & Tibet Shop

We are happy to announce the first publication by Sacred Sky Press! In Indestructible: The Longevity Practice of Lama Tséwang Rikdzin, Raven Cypress Wood has beautifully translated and annotated parts of Tséwang Rikdzin's text, the Tsewang Jarima. Known as the “King of Longevity,” eighth century Tibetan master Tséwang Rikdzin composed many ritual texts aimed at alleviating suffering and was a dzogchen master. The book was first made available during Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche’s fall retreat at Serenity Ridge. Now it is available to all.

The hardcover has a dust jacket and contains color word highlights and several color photos. The paperback contains the same contents, but with black and white text and interior photos.Order copies here

About Voice of Clear Light

Voice of Clear Light is a free email publication of Ligmincha International. Your suggestions and contributions to Voice of Clear Light are welcome. To contact us, send an email to: voiceofclearlight@ligmincha.org

For more information about Ligmincha International, the teachings of Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, or retreats at Serenity Ridge or our other regional centers, please contact us at: